Prince Edward Island Sen. Mike Duffy says he has another home in Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN - Sen. Mike Duffy, embroiled in a controversy over living allowance claims, says he has two homes in Prince Edward Island so he can have better access to health care.

Duffy says he rents a home in Charlottetown during the winter — in addition to a house he owns in Cavendish, P.E.I., where he stays in the summer — so he can have quicker access to care in case of a medical emergency.

The Conservative senator, who spoke with reporters today at the Charlottetown airport, says Canadians know him as an "honest man" who wouldn't cheat on his expenses.

Duffy has faced questions over $33,000 in living allowances he has claimed since 2010, despite also having a home in Ottawa.

Opposition MPs are questioning whether his primary residence is a cottage in Cavendish, P.E.I., as he has repeatedly stated.

The Constitution requires senators to reside in the provinces they are appointed to represent.

Duffy is being audited along with fellow senators Pamela Wallin, Mac Harb and Patrick Brazeau following questions about their housing expense claims.